2009 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Hyundai Sonata (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic.
Because 2009 Honda Civic is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Honda Civic. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Hyundai Sonata, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Hyundai Sonata (181 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 1998 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1998 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Civic | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
